Part of my new build.
This one replaced an old Athlon II X250 @3.0ghz. Performance is mind blowing coming from an AM3 platform.
The Athlon did everything i needed except for hardware AES enc/dec. Years ago i coded an AES library wich i use almost every day. Now i'll be able to implement the AES-NI instruction set in my library. I've seen the benchmarks and i expect a big improvement in bytes/sec decoding AES with this CPU. Will play with AVX in future, that should come in handy.
Really, performance is mind blowing and is 10 watts TDP lower than my beloved Athlon. By upgrading my old CPU, my ram can now run to its full 1600 mhz. IPC in Intel really is important and with extra 500 mhz i'll be done for decades.
Runs cool (35ºC range avg). Fan is inaudible in my setup. Heatsink looks flimsy but seems to be more than enough and is very low profile. Really adequate for HTPC, no need for aftermarket cooling in my case. I liked the AMD AM3 heatsink attachment more than the Intel.
I've been doing my own stuff (programming only) and light gaming but this thing obviously does the job perfectly. Paired with an SSD, my system response is instant. I optimized a Windows 7 installation for SSD. A crazy new experience for me.
I prefer this processor to any AMD Octa core to come, it smokes them out of the water.
My last Intel CPU was a Pentium 3 Katmai Slot 1 @ 500 mhz and now this?...hahaha. It feels good to be back.
| Brand | Intel |
|---|---|
| Item model number | BX80646I34330 |
| Item Weight | 10.4 ounces |
| Product Dimensions | 4.6 x 4.4 x 3.2 inches |
| Item Dimensions LxWxH | 4.6 x 4.4 x 3.2 inches |
| Processor Brand | Intel |
| Processor Count | 2 |
| Manufacturer | Intel |
| Language: | English |
| ASIN | B00EUUN76U |
| Is Discontinued By Manufacturer | No |
| Date First Available | September 4, 2013 |
